Gifted To His Dad: Christmas Novella

“Time to get up,” Cole says as he presses a kiss to my temple.

I roll over, lifting the covers over my head. I’m still tired from yesterday, and I don’t want to face what we did in the light of day. What if I read Cole wrong? What if he felt pressured into doing it? What if he’s actually mad at me?

He wraps me in his arms, squeezing me. “We have a fun day planned.”

Some of my worries ease out of me with his touch, and I peel the cover back to reveal my face. “What kind of thing?”

“The fun kind. Come on. Dress warm. I double promise you’re going to like it.”

I groan, still sore from yesterday. “It’s not skiing again, is it?”

Cole laughs, the vibration traveling through me. “Something even better.”

“Fine. But I reserve the right to back out.” My stomach growls, and my cheeks heat.

“Food first. Got it,” he smirks.

I push him off me. “Shower first.”

His eyes darken as if he’s remembering exactly what we did yesterday.

“Can I join you?”

“Not a freaking chance.”

I take a while to shower and blow-dry my hair. My chest tightens at the idea that they’re out there waiting for me. I’ve been told my entire life I’m nothing but a nuisance, and the thought they may feel the same has me rushing through getting ready.

The thoughts are wiped away by giddiness.

Cole loves me.

Feeling a little more confident, I dress in leggings and a long-sleeve shirt, pulling on thick wool socks. A quick glance in the mirror has me freezing in place. Normally I’d be self-conscious about how I look, with every curve and roll revealed, but somehow, after last night, I’ve gained a little more confidence.

As expected, they’re waiting for me in the kitchen, both holding coffees, steam rising from the tops.

Cole turns toward me and gives me a lopsided smile. “As always, you’re worth the wait.”

“Sorry. I shouldn’t have washed my hair.” I run my fingers through the thick locks, trying to hide the way they tremble. “It takes too long to dry it.”

Cole’s at my side in an instant and tugs gently at the end. “Never apologize for making me wait. It makes me feel good that you like to dress up for me.”

Warmth wraps around my chest, swirling beneath my rib cage, and I drop my forehead to his chest, letting him pull me into a hug. He slides his hand up and down my back in gentle strokes, patiently waiting for me. I pull back and look behind us, only to see that Griffin’s looking away. His knuckles are tight around his mug. His face is turned downward, and there’s a slight pink crawling up the back of his neck.

Flashes from last night come pummeling into my brain. His touch, his tongue, how he stroked himself so vividly in my memory that heat pools between my thighs. Now that it’s morning and everything is clear, does he regret it? Regretting it didn’t even cross my mind, but by the way he can’t even look at me, I feel like he does. The back of my throat tightens, and my eyes burn.

I must make a sound because he finally looks up. His brows pull together, and the corners of his eyes crinkle. He stands, taking a step toward me, then freezes. “I pushed you too far last night. I’m sorry, I never meant to make you…uncomfortable.”

Cole squeezes my shoulder in reassurance as I tilt my head to the side. Griffin’s standing in front of me, worry clearly written across his face, as if he’s just waiting for me to crush him. I close the distance between us and hold his face in my hands, lifting on my toes and pressing my mouth to his.

A low hum rumbles through him as his arms wrap around me, tugging me closer and deepening the kiss.

My heart is pounding wildly in my chest. “Does that feel like I regret it?”

He drops his head to mine. “Fuck. How are you so perfect?”

I bite the corner of my lip. “There’s nothing perfect about me.”

His eyes narrow. “I’m going to make sure you never think like that again.”

“Alright, you two. Break it up, we have places to go,” Cole says, still standing where I left him. I search his face to see if there’s any jealousy there. Anything to show he’s upset about what just happened.

He’s grinning at us, eyes gleaming. “If we don’t get out of here now, I can’t promise I won’t drag you back into bed and never let you out.”

Griffin’s arm bands around my back. “I kind of like the sound of that.”

“Later. We need to give her a rest before tonight.” He grabs his hoodie from the chair and walks over to us, pulling it over my head.

I pop through, loving the fact that I swim in it like a dress. “What’s tonight?”

Cole swipes his thumb over my bottom lip. “Presents.”

Cole’s talking to his friend who owns this mushing team. Apparently, he set up this little meet and greet before we came to the cabin, knowing it was something I’d enjoy.

A soft, wet nose presses against my palm. This is better than anything I could’ve expected. We’ve been surrounded by huskies of all different colors for the last few hours, and they all want pets. Today’s their day off work, so it’s their certified spa day. Cole had been nervous when we first got here at the idea of putting me to work, but I jumped into feeding, washing, and brushing the puppies’ coats.

I smile up at Griffin, who’s already looking at me.

“You look happy,” he says.

“I am.” I’m not paying attention, so I don’t notice one of the larger dogs jump up for a hug, and I tumble backward under its weight.

“Woah. I’ve got you.” Strong arms catch me, wrapping around my middle. Griffin’s chin presses into my neck. “Your heart’s beating like crazy.”

I swallow hard. “Of course it is. Look at the way you’re holding me.”

Griffin’s grip tightens where his thumb grazes the underside of my breast over the quilted fabric of my coat I threw on over Cole’s sweater. I shiver in response. The desire to have that hand inch up just a little more has me pushing back into him.

Cole comes jogging toward us. “So, what do you think of your surprise?”

I push down the worry that he won’t like what I brought him. “Best surprise ever, but what present were you talking about tonight?”

“Oh, that’s completely different,” Griffin adds. “Let’s get some lunch before heading back.”